Tipping at a
Salon or Spa: the when, who, and how of it
I always find the
business of tipping at a salon or spa an uncomfortable process, since I'm
never sure of "tipping etiquette." Who should I tip and
how much.
Figuring I wasn't the only one who experienced "tipping
anxiety", I decided to take the matter to some pros and asked friends
who own or work at spas or salons to answer some of my questions about
tipping. (Thanks for your help guys and gals.) Below you
can find the list of questions I asked, and the answers I put together
from both their comments and my own experience. As an aside, salons
with a "no tipping policy" do exist. Click on the link
for a list.
What is a normal tip
for services?
A tip should typically
fall within the 15% to 20% range. (This is before tax is added.)
Are there circumstances
when you should tip more than 15% to 20%?
If the service provider
either did something out of the ordinary or did something that took a
great deal of time (such as major make-overs, color correction, etc.) you
might want to consider leaving a larger tip.
Who
else should you tip other than the person who performs the service?
At a salon, you should tip
the person who shampoos your hair ($5) and the person who blow dries your
hair other than the stylist ($10). It is not necessary to tip the
receptionist or someone who brings you a drink.
Should I use an
envelope to put the tip in or is it okay to give the service provider the
cash without the envelope?
If the spa or salon
provides envelopes for tips at the front desk, it is customary to use
them.
Should I put my name on
the envelope so that the service provider knows the tip is from me?
You should write both your
name and the name of the person for whom the tip is intended on the
envelope. Don't write the amount of money you put inside the
envelope on the envelope itself.
Should I leave the tip
at the front desk or give it directly to the service provider? If I
leave it at the front desk, how do I know the service provider has
actually received the tip?
You can leave the tip in
an envelope at the front desk or give it to the person who provided the
service, whatever makes you more comfortable. Don't worry about
leaving it at the front desk. It will make it to the appropriate
person.
If my service provider
is the owner of the salon or spa, should I tip him or her?
Although tipping the owner
is not "required," a tip is customarily given -- even if its a
token. However, I have seen situations where the salon owner will
not accept tips under any circumstances. If I plan to see the salon
or spa owner, I always ask the receptionist what custom is for tipping him
or her when booking my first appointment.
How much should I tip
if I don't like the service(s) provided?
If you are unhappy with
the service, first talk to the person who performed it. If you don't
receive a satisfactory answer, speak to the manager and/or owner
(depending upon the particular salon or spa involved). Most
reputable places will stand behind their work and try to make the client
happy. In these instances you have to use your own judgment.
My rule of thumb is to leave some sort of a tip (nothing too insulting) if
I'm even considering returning. You may want to ask for guidance
from the manager/owner if its gotten to that point. Even if you
decide not to tip the service provider, you should tip people like the
shampoo person.
At holiday time, should
I give my service providers a holiday gift?
To some extent it depends
upon your relationship with the service provider, but a gift is always
appreciated. An extra envelope with cash is an option and often the
preferred one. However, depending upon the person a more personal
gift may be well received. For instance, I often give wine to people who I
know enjoy it. Just think about his or her likes and dislikes when
selecting a gift.
One More Point
Remember, both the people
who were so generous with their advice as well as my own experience is
primarily "Manhattan centric." Tipping customs may differ
in different regions of the country and parts of the world. When in
doubt, ask the receptionist -- he or she will almost always help you out
with an honest answer.
We hope this helps.
Carol
Everyone's hair and hair
needs are different. The data is for informational purposes
only. If you have any questions in regard to which products are
appropriate for your hair, we recommend that you contact your
dermatologist or other health care professional.
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